HRA Packet for May 5, 2025 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Draft Updated April 2025 Elk River Garden Gem Awards Program Guidelines Program Overview Established in 2025, the Elk River Garden Gem Awards highlights exceptional gardens and landscaping in Elk River. Each year the Elk River Economic Development Authority (EDA) and Housing and Redevelopment Authority (HRA), with recommendations from the Beautification and Public Art Committee, recognizes residents, neighborhoods, and businesses who have maintained beautiful gardens or landscapes, therefore adding to the overall beauty and attractiveness of the city. Nominations may be submitted by anyone including neighbors, contractors, friends, or the gardeners themselves. Eligible Categories •Single Family built before 2000 •Single Family built in 2000 or later •Townhome •Neighborhood – Resident/volunteer managed monument sign landscape, cul-de-sac landscape, or community garden •Commercial – Professionally managed business, or retail/business park monument sign landscape Requirements •Garden/landscape must be located in Elk River •Garden/landscape must primarily feature flowering plants, trees, shrubs, ground cover, perennials, retaining walls, arbors, or water features to create a visually significant summer long display •Garden/landscape must be well maintained through the growing season •Garden/landscape must have a positive visual impact on the neighborhood by being substantially visible from the right-of-way •Previous winners are ineligible to win in the subsequent two years Program Timeline •Nomination period: May 1 to July 31 •Judges tour and evaluate gardens: August •EDA and HRA formally recognizes winning gardens: September Judging Criteria Each garden/landscape nominated is visited and judged based on the following criteria: •Overall attractiveness •Design •Plant variety •Environmental impact •Creativity •Appropriate maintenance Page 18 of 36